Westchester Students Gain Physical Therapy Pathway In NYMC-Stepinac Partnership

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester students interested in physical therapy have a unique new pathway to consider after New York Medical College and Archbishop Stepinac High School signed an academic partnership.

The Aug. 19, agreement creates a route for graduating students in Stepinac's Susan and Daniel P. Mahoney Health Sciences Honor Academy to receive preferred admission to NYMC's Doctor of Physical Therapy, or D.P.T., Program, if they meet all program requirements.

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The signing ceremony took place at NYMC and brought together representatives from both institutions, including Brian J. Nickerson, dean of the School of Health Sciences and Practice; D.P.T. faculty; Rev. Thomas Collins, president of Archbishop Stepinac High School; and Stepinac students and alumni. According to NYMC, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital was also represented at the event.

"Today is about creating a connection between two outstanding educational institutions here in Westchester County and giving talented young students an opportunity to begin envisioning their professional future much earlier," Michelle Novotny, senior associate dean for administration and enrollment, said at the ceremony.

NYMC said the partnership was designed in part around growing demand for physical therapists.

"The demand for physical therapists is real and growing, and the students who fill that need often decide on this career path early," Nickerson said. "This partnership meets them at that moment, giving Stepinac's most motivated students a clear pathway from high school to a doctoral degree, and giving our communities the skilled clinicians they'll depend on. We're proud to partner with Archbishop Stepinac to open the doors for the next generation of health professionals."

For students, the agreement offers a chance to explore the profession while still in high school and prepare for later study.

"At Archbishop Stepinac, we are committed to helping our students discover their purpose and preparing them to lead lives of service, compassion, and integrity," Collins said. "Our partnership with New York Medical College is an exciting opportunity to expand that mission by giving our students meaningful exposure to the world of medicine and healthcare."

Under the agreement, Stepinac graduates seeking preferred admission to NYMC's D.P.T. Program must first complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. They also must pursue a science-related major, including health sciences, biology, exercise science, or a related field, and meet all standard NYMC D.P.T. Program requirements.

Christopher Massari, an NYMC alumnus and Stepinac graduate, called the partnership a strong opportunity for students with an interest in the field. NYMC said Bram Newman of Burke Rehabilitation Hospital also spoke about the wider value of the collaboration between education and clinical practice.